Arsene Wenger tells Real Madrid: ‘Leave me alone’

There are some things that money just can't buy. They include a manager of the quality of Arsene Wenger, and a place in the quarter finals of the Champions League - as Real Madrid have discovered this week.

The Spanish giants crashed out of the competition on Wednesday after a limp draw against Lyon at the Bernabeu. It was the sixth successive season that they have gone out at the last 16 stage despite spending £240m on new signings, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso, in the summer.

Now it seems that coach Manuel Pellegrini is living on borrowed time and the club president Florentino Perez will once again be beating a path to Arsenal's door to try and lure Wenger to Spain.

Real tried to tempt the Arsenal boss last season when things were not going well at the Emirates, and it was widely reported at the time that he gave the idea some consideration. However, Wenger now seems more commited than ever to the Arsenal project he started in 1996. And with his team still challenging for the Premier League and safely into the last eight in the Champions League he has issued a pre-emptive rejection of any offer from Spain.

When asked if he had a message for Madrid after their Champions League exit, Wenger replied: "Yes, leave me alone."

He said that £240m could not buy success and added: "At the moment I focus on Hull City. Maybe less glamorous than Real Madrid but they are much more important in my life at the moment." A comment that would warm the heart of Gunners everywhere.

Wenger also confirmed that he would definitely see out the remainder of his contract that runs out at the end of next season. And there is an expectation that, although he is now in his 60s, he can be persuaded to carry on for a while longer.

Although he has never won the Champions League, the Frenchman's success with Arsenal is proof that a long-term strategy is as good as, if not better than, unlimited funds for players.

Chelsea needed Jose Mourinho to bring them trophies and Madrid only enjoyed success under Vicente del Bosque and Fabio Capello during the first era of the Galacticos.

Real may recognise that fact, but they will have to look elsewhere to find a coach who can unlock their potential. ·